Abutting apparatus of spring configuration machine

ABSTRACT

An abutting apparatus of spring configuration machine which has a machine platform includes a first and second axial transmission mechanisms and an abutting assembly. The first axial transmission mechanism includes a first actuator, a first lead screw and a first sliding seat screwed with the first lead screw. The second axial transmission mechanism includes a second actuator fixed to the first sliding seat, a second lead screw driven to rotate by the second actuator and a second sliding seat screwed with the second lead screw and linearly moved relatively to the first sliding seat. Via the first and second axial transmission mechanisms, the abutting assembly fixed to the second sliding seat can make a 2-D movement in vertical and horizontal directions relative to the machine platform, such that the degree of freedom to adjust the abutting assembly can be enhanced significantly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention in general relates to an abutting apparatus, in particular, to an abutting apparatus of spring configuration machine.

2. Description of Prior Art

Accordingly, common spring configuration machines all have abutting apparatus adapted for abutting wire into configuration of spring. During the process of configuring a spring, wire is fed into the spring configuration machine via a feeding mechanism; in the meantime, an abutting apparatus is adapted for curling the wire into a spring; finally, a cutting knife apparatus is applied to cut off the wire to complete the procedure of configuring a spring. During the process, the function of the abutting apparatus is to curl a linear wire into a curled spring. According to common practices, a spring configuration machine usually has two abutting assemblies arranged corresponding to each other at two sides thereof. Adjusting the positions of these two abutting assemblies can decide the magnitude of the radius of the configured spring.

According to the prior arts, the abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine usually includes a sliding seat and an abutting unit connected by sliding in the sliding seat, such that the abutting unit can make a 1-D linear movement in oblique direction relative to the spring configuration machine, whereby the magnitude of the radius of the configured spring can be adjusted. However, not only the degree of freedom is insufficient, but also it is uneasy for the purpose of adjustment, when a 1-D linear movement is used to adjust the obliqueness relative to the spring configuration machine and thereby to decide the magnitude of the radius of the configured spring.

Therefore, another kind of abutting apparatus of spring configuration machine is developed, in which not only the abutting unit can make an oblique motion relative to the spring configuration machine, but also the abutting apparatus can make a vertically linear motion in one dimension relative to the spring configuration machine. However, this kind of linear movement in two directions is still inadequate to adjust the positions of the abutting unit. In this prior art, the abutting unit can only make a small adjustment of the position relative to the spring configuration machine. Besides, it is also impossible for the two abutting units of the spring configuration machine to make two independent 2-D motions, whereby the positions of the abutting units relative to the wire feeding axle of the spring configuration machine can be adjusted at random, which indeed causes an inadequate flexibility in terms of the configuration process of a spring.

Accordingly, after a substantially devoted study, in cooperation with the application of relative academic principles, the inventor has finally proposed the present invention designed reasonably to possess the capability to improve the drawbacks of the prior arts significantly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, in order to solve aforementioned problems, the invention is mainly to provide an abutting apparatus of spring configuration machine. Via a first and second axial transmission mechanisms, the abutting assembly can be randomly moved in vertical and horizontal directions relative to the machine platform, such that the degree of freedom to adjust the abutting assembly can be enhanced significantly.

Secondly, the invention is to provide an abutting apparatus of spring configuration machine, in which the spring configuration machine has a machine platform, while the abutting apparatus includes a first and second axial transmission mechanisms and an abutting assembly. The first axial transmission mechanism includes a first actuator, a first lead screw driven by the first actuator to rotate and a first sliding seat screwed with the first lead screw and able to make a linear movement relative to the machine platform. The second axial transmission mechanism includes a second actuator fixed to the first sliding seat, a second lead screw driven to rotate by the second actuator and a second sliding seat screwed with the second lead screw and linearly moved relatively to the first sliding seat. Via the first and second axial transmission mechanisms, the abutting assembly fixed to the second sliding seat can make a 2-D movement in vertical and horizontal directions relative to the machine platform.

Thirdly, the invention is to provide an abutting apparatus of spring configuration machine, in which the spring configuration machine has a machine platform and a spring wire feeding axle, while the abutting apparatus includes a pair of first axial transmission mechanisms, a pair of second axial transmission mechanisms and a pair of abutting assemblies. The pair of first axial transmission mechanisms, which are respectively formed at an upper and lower sides of a central line of the spring wire feeding axle, and each of which includes a first actuator fixed to the machine platform, a first lead screw driven by the first actuator to rotate and a first sliding seat screwed with the first lead screw and able to make a linear movement relative to the machine platform. Each of the pair of second axial transmission mechanisms includes a second actuator fixed to the first sliding seat, a second lead screw driven to rotate by the second actuator and a second sliding seat screwed with the second lead screw and linearly moved relatively to the first sliding seat. Via the pair of first axial transmission mechanisms and the pair of second transmission mechanisms, the pair of abutting assemblies respectively fixed to the second sliding seat can independently make a 2-D movement in vertical and horizontal directions relative to the machine platform.

Compared with the prior arts, the invention has achieved the following functions. Firstly, the drawback of the spring configuration machines according to the prior arts—the abutting apparatus can only be adjusted by a linear movement in a single direction—can be overcome by a 2-D movement in vertical and horizontal directions, so it is convenient to adjust the positions of the abutting assemblies relative to the machine platform and the spring wire feeding axle to enhance the flexibility in the spring configuration process. Secondly, since the pair of abutting assemblies are moved independently and simultaneously to make many directions of movement, more complicated spring with 3-D configuration can be manufactured. Thirdly, the first and second transmission mechanisms can enhance the variability of the locations and angles of the movement of the abutting assemblies. Fourthly, since the first and second axial transmission mechanisms are moved in a linear motion, a more accurate positioning can be achieved and it is easier in terms of operation. Finally, the pair of abutting assemblies can be respectively and independently controlled to move by using a computer, so the flexibility in manufacturing the spring can be enhanced significantly and the difficulty of configuration can be also lowered down in great scale.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

The features of the invention believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, may be best understood by reference to the following detailed description, which describes a number of embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective outer view according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from another viewing angle according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view (1) according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view (2) according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an actuating illustration (1) by viewing from the front of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an actuating illustration (2) by viewing from the front of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an actuating illustration (3) by viewing from the front of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a front view according one preferable embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is another front view according to one preferable embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective outer view according to another preferable embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an actuation status illustration (1) of a cross-sectional view along the line “11-11” in FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is an actuation status illustration (2) of a cross-sectional view along the line “11-11” in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In cooperation with attached drawings, the technical contents and detailed description of the present invention are described thereinafter according to a number of preferable embodiments, not used to limit its executing scope. Any equivalent variation and modification made according to appended claims is all covered by the claims claimed by the present invention.

Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, which respectively are a perspective outer view of the invention and a perspective outer view from another viewing angle of the invention. The invention is to provide an abutting apparatus 2 of spring configuration machine, in which the spring configuration machine 1 has a machine platform 10 and a spring wire feeding axle 11 (as shown in FIG. 8). The abutting apparatus 2 includes a pair of first axial transmission mechanisms 20, a pair of second axial transmission mechanisms 30 and a pair of abutting assemblies 40.

The pair of first axial transmission mechanisms 20 are respectively formed at an upper and lower sides of a central line of the spring wire feeding axle 11. In the meantime, the first axial transmission mechanism 20 includes a first actuator 21 fixed to the machine platform 10, a first lead screw 22 driven by the first actuator 21 to rotate and a first sliding seat 23 connected to the first lead screw 22 and able to make a linear movement relative to the machine platform 10.

The pair of the second axial transmission mechanisms 30 respectively include a second actuator 31 fixed to the first sliding seat 23, a second lead screw 32 driven by the second actuator 31 to rotate and a second sliding seat 33 connected to the second lead screw 32 and can make a linear movement relative to the first sliding seat 23.

The pair of abutting assemblies 40 are respectively fixed to the second sliding seat. Via the first axial transmission mechanism 20 and the second axial transmission mechanism 30, the abutting assembly 40 can make a vertical and horizontal movements relative to the machine platform 10. In addition, the abutting assembly 40 includes a fixing seat 41 fixed to the second sliding seat 33 and an abutting telescopic rod 42 screwed with the fixing seat 41, such that the abutting telescopic rod 42 can make an oblique movement relative to the second sliding seat 33 to adjust the position thereof.

Furthermore, the first actuator 21 and the second actuator 31 can be a stepping motor or a servo motor; however, not limited to these two kinds only.

Please refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, which respectively are a perspective view (1) and a perspective view (2) of the invention. Please refer to FIG. 2 together. The first sliding seat 23 includes a first plate body 231 and a first nut 232 connected fixedly to the first plate body 231 and screwed with the first lead screw 22 correspondingly.

The second sliding seat 33 includes a second plate body 331 and a second nut 332 connected fixedly to the second plate body 331 and screwed with the second lead screw 32 correspondingly.

In addition, the first sliding seat 23 further includes a first sliding block 233 fixed to the first plate body 231 and located at the same side of the first nut 232. The first sliding block 233 is configured a first sliding slot 2331. The machine platform 10, in the meantime, has a slide 12. The first sliding slot 2331 is provided for the slide 12 to be slid and inset therein.

The first sliding seat 23 also includes a first slide 234 connected fixedly to another side of the first plate body 231. The second sliding seat 33 includes a second sliding block 333 fixed to the second plate body 331 and located at the same side of the second nut 332. The second sliding block 333 is configured a second sliding slot 3331 provided for the first slide 234 to be inset therein.

Please refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, which respectively are an actuating illustration (1) and an actuating illustrate (2) by viewing from the front of the invention. By moving the first axial transmission mechanism 20 relatively to the machine platform 10, the abutting assembly 40 can be moved vertically. By moving the second axial transmission mechanism 30 relatively to the first axial transmission mechanism 20, the abutting assembly 40 can be moved horizontally. By so doing, the abutting assembly 40 can be moved in a 2-D rectangular coordinate. The degree of freedom to adjust the abutting assembly 40 can be thus enhanced.

More specifically, the pair of abutting assemblies 40 can be moved independently in a 2-D rectangular coordinate. For example, when processing the configuration of a spring, the abutting assembly 40 aiming to the spring wire feeding axle 11 (as shown in FIG. 8) only makes a horizontal movement relative to the spring wire feeding axle 11 without any vertical movement. On the other hand, the abutting assembly 40 located above the spring wire feeding axle 11 then can make a horizontal, vertical or oblique movement. An “oblique movement” mentioned here means that the tracks of the abutting assembly 40 can be a line or curve, including arc or parabola.

Moreover, via the simultaneous actuations of the first axial transmission mechanism 20 and the second axial transmission mechanism 30, the abutting assembly 40 can be moved obliquely. In other words, the movement of the abutting assembly 40 can be controlled at random. For example, if the proportion between the rightward movement of the second sliding seat 33 and the upward movement of the first sliding seat 23 is 1:1, then the abutting assembly 40 will be moved to the right with a lifting angle of 45 degrees. If the proportion is 1:√{square root over (3)}, then the abutting assembly 40 will be moved to the right with a lifting angle of 60 degrees.

Please refer to FIG. 7, which is an actuating illustration (3) of the invention. As shown in this figure, the abutting assembly 40 located above the spring wire feeding axle 11 (as shown in FIG. 8) is moved obliquely, while another abutting assembly 40 aiming to the spring wire feeding axle 11 is moved horizontally.

Please refer to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, showing two front views according to one preferable embodiment of the present invention. As shown in these two figures, a pair of first axial transmission mechanisms 20 and a pair of second axial transmission mechanisms 30 are arranged at an upper and lower sides of the spring wire feeding axle 11. By moving the first axial transmission mechanisms 20 relatively to the machine platform 10 and moving the second axial transmission mechanisms 30 relatively to the first axial transmission mechanism 20, the position of the abutting assembly 40 can be changed, such that the magnitude of the radius of the configured spring 50 can be determined.

Please refer to FIG. 10 through FIG. 12, which separately are a perspective outer view, an actuation status illustration (1) and an actuation status illustration (2) of a cross-sectional view along the line “11-11” in FIG. 10 according to another preferable embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the abutting assembly 40′ includes a wire configuration knife seat 41′, a wire configuration knife 42′ pivoted to the wire configuration knife seat 41′ and a driving block 43′.

The wire configuration knife seat 41′ is fixed to the second sliding seat 33, while the driving block 43′ is fixed onto the machine platform 10 (not shown in the figures) and abutted against one side of the wire configuration knife 42′. In this case, when the wire configuration knife seat 41′ fixed to the second sliding seat 33 is moved relatively to the driving block 43′, the wire configuration knife 42′ can be swung relatively to the wire configuration knife seat 41′.

More specifically, one side of the wire configuration knife 42′ is arranged a bearing 421′. The driving block 43′ is arranged a lead slot 431′ that is shown as an oblique configuration and provided for the bearing 421′ to be slid therein. The relative movement between the second sliding seat 33 and the machine platform 10 can make the wire configuration knife 42′ moved upwardly and downwardly in a third axial direction. Since the wire configuration knife 42′ is swung in a third axial direction, a collision phenomenon can be avoided when the spring is configured by being fed out from the spring wire feeding axle 11 (as shown in FIG. 9).

Therefore, through the constitution of aforementioned assemblies, an abutting apparatus of spring configuration machine according to the present invention is thus obtained.

Summarizing aforementioned description, the abutting apparatus according to the present invention is an indispensable component for a spring configuration machine indeed, which may positively reach the expected usage objective for solving the drawbacks of the prior arts, and which extremely possesses the innovation and progressiveness to completely fulfill the applying merits of a new type patent, according to which the invention is thereby applied. Please examine the application carefully and grant it as a formal patent for protecting the rights of the inventor.

However, the aforementioned description is only a number of preferable embodiments according to the present invention, not used to limit the patent scope of the invention, so equivalently structural variation made to the contents of the present invention, for example, description and drawings, is all covered by the claims claimed thereinafter. 

1. An abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine which has a machine platform, the abutting apparatus including: a first axial transmission mechanism, which includes a first actuator fixed to the machine platform, a first lead screw driven by the first actuator to rotate and a first sliding seat screwed with the first lead screw and able to make a linear movement relative to the machine platform; a second axial transmission mechanism, which includes a second actuator fixed to the first sliding seat, a second lead screw driven to rotate by the second actuator and a second sliding seat connected to the second lead screw and linearly moved relatively to the first sliding seat; and an abutting assembly, which is fixed to the second sliding seat and able to make a 2-D movement in a vertical and horizontal directions relative to the machine platform via the first axial transmission mechanism and the second axial transmission mechanism.
 2. The abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine according to claim 1, wherein the first sliding plate includes a first plate body and a first nut connected fixedly to the first plate body and inter-screwed with the first lead screw.
 3. The abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine according to claim 2, wherein the second sliding seat includes a second plate body and a second nut connected fixedly to the second plate body and inter-screwed with the second lead screw.
 4. The abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine according to claim 3, wherein the first sliding seat is configured a first sliding slot adapted for being inset by the machine platform.
 5. The abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine according to claim 4, wherein the first sliding seat further includes a first slide connected fixedly to the first plate body, and wherein the second sliding seat is configured a second sliding slot adapted for being inset by the first slide.
 6. The abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine according to claim 1, wherein the abutting assembly includes a fixing seat fixed to the second sliding seat and an abutting telescopic rod screwed with the fixing seat, and wherein the abutting telescopic rod can make an oblique movement relative to the second sliding seat.
 7. The abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine according to claim 1, wherein the first and second actuators are all a servo motor or a stepping motor.
 8. The abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine according to claim 1, wherein the abutting assembly includes a wire configuration knife seat, a wire configuration knife pivoted to the wire configuration knife seat and a driving block, and wherein the wire configuration knife seat is fixed to the second sliding seat, while the driving block is connected by abutting against one side of the wire configuration knife, and wherein the wire configuration knife seat is moved to make the wire configuration knife swing in a third axial direction relative to the wire configuration knife seat.
 9. The abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine according to claim 8, wherein one side of the wire configuration knife is arranged a bearing, and wherein the driving block is arranged a lead slot adapted for the bearing to be connected by sliding therein.
 10. The abutting apparatus of spring configuration machine according to claim 9, wherein the lead slot is shown as an oblique configuration.
 11. An abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine which has a machine platform and a spring wire feeding axle, the abutting apparatus including: a pair of first axial transmission mechanisms, which are respectively formed at an upper and lower sides of a central line of the spring wire feeding axle, and each of which includes a first actuator fixed to the machine platform, a first lead screw driven by the first actuator to rotate and a first sliding seat screwed with the first lead screw and able to make a linear movement relative to the machine platform; a pair of second axial transmission mechanisms, which respectively include a second actuator fixed to the first sliding seat, a second lead screw driven to rotate by the second actuator and a second sliding seat connected to the second lead screw and linearly moved relatively to the first sliding seat; and a pair of abutting assemblies, which are respectively fixed to the second sliding seat and able to independently make a 2-D movement in a vertical and horizontal directions relative to the machine platform via the pair of first axial transmission mechanisms and the pair of second transmission mechanisms.
 12. The abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine according to claim 11, wherein the first sliding plate includes a first plate body and a first nut connected fixedly to the first plate body and inter-screwed with the first lead screw.
 13. The abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine according to claim 12, wherein the second sliding seat includes a second plate body and a second nut connected fixedly to the second plate body and inter-screwed with the second lead screw.
 14. The abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine according to claim 13, wherein the first sliding seat is configured a first sliding slot adapted for being inset by the machine platform.
 15. The abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine according to claim 14, wherein the first sliding seat further includes a first slide connected fixedly to the first plate body, and wherein the second sliding seat is configured a second sliding slot adapted for being inset by the first slide.
 16. The abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine according to claim 11, wherein the abutting assembly includes a fixing seat fixed to the second sliding seat and an abutting telescopic rod screwed with the fixing seat, and wherein the abutting telescopic rod can make an oblique movement relative to the second sliding seat.
 17. The abutting apparatus of a spring configuration machine according to claim 11, wherein the first and second actuators are all a servo motor or a stepping motor. 